Numerous sightings of orca pods around Auckland have given researcher Ingrid Visser new hope that the juvenile whale relaunched at Takapuna will be found with a group.
Dr Visser says she had about 100 phone calls on one day.
The whales have been seen at Kawau Bay, Snells Beach, Milford Beach and North Head.
Despite dedicating a whole day looking for her in the Hauraki Gulf the young whale has yet to be found.
"We spent day to day going from subgroup to subgroup but no little orca."
Three were seen off Milford Beach at about 3pm on Thursday afternoon by Glenfield resident Peter Ryan.
He estimated they were about 200m offshore.
"I’ve never seen anything so close."
Mr Ryan says he saw two together and a third further out.
"One was very large, you could tell by the size of its fin. I’m guessing they were chasing stingrays."
Dr Visser says there are at least three different pods in the Hauraki Gulf and the juvenile could be amongst any one of them.
Another is reported to be on its way from the Bay of Islands.
"We haven’t seen her yet, but it doesn’t mean she hasn’t joined one of these groups."
Dr Visser says killer whales can hear each other from nearly 20km away under water, which makes it easier for them to meet up.
She would still like to hear from the public if they see any more orca whales and can be contacted on 0800-733-6722.
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